UA College of Engineering

08/19/2026

In a basement laboratory at Steward Observatory, astronomers don bunny suits and grounded gloves, slip behind translucent vinyl curtains, and approach a gleaming vacuum chamber.

Inside, mirrors and sensors are arrayed on an optical bench, to be tested under space-like conditions – the same instruments that will someday be able to block starlight to reveal distant worlds that are nearly a billion times dimmer than the stars they orbit.

For years, this testbed served as a proving ground for space-bound technologies. Now, the University of Arizona will use it to develop two of the three instruments aboard Lazuli, a three-meter space telescope that will push the boundaries of exoplanet imaging.

Read more:

U of A to build instruments for deep space telescope March 13, 2026 Hannah Hindley, Steward Observatory Associate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering Ewan Douglas leads an interdisciplinary group of researchers to build two out of three instruments for the Lazuli telescope. Image Optic...

08/17/2026

Graphene nanoribbons – tiny strips of carbon material that withstand extreme environments – could help track radiation in fusion reactors and deep space technology.

University of Arizona researchers integrated the GNRs into semiconductor devices and exposed them to intense radiation. The ribbons' atomic framework stayed intact while still producing a measurable electrical response. This result suggests the ribbons could serve as sensors in extreme environments, where radiation levels run high.

Fusion power generates electricity when light nuclei merge into a single heavier nucleus, releasing a massive amount of energy. The process requires little fuel to produce that energy, so it could serve as a limitless source of clean power.

"The devices survive the exposure and still respond, but their electrical performance changes dramatically," said principal investigator Zafer Mutlu, assistant professor of materials science and engineering. "That's exactly the behavior we want from a sensor."

U of A researchers improve sensing for fusion energy, space science July 29, 2026 Katy Smith, Office of Research and Partnerships Materials scientist Zafer Mutlu’s study proves graphene nanoribbons send electrical signals in harsh conditions. Image University of Arizona Provost Postdoctoral Fellow...

08/14/2026

It’s almost time!

The College of Engineering extends a warm welcome to our new and returning Wildcats. Move-in for new students takes place August 18 through August 20, followed by returning students moving in August 21 through August 22.

Driving on campus can be a bit challenging and move-in week brings temporary one-way streets and modified parking zones. Save time (and sanity) by bypassing standard GPS or Google Maps on campus and using the official parking guides set up by Housing and Residential Life instead.

Welcome to the University of Arizona, Wildcats! We look forward to seeing you on August 24.

August 15Early Move-In (for Approved Housing and Campus Groups)August 18-20Move-In for New StudentsAugust 21-22Move-In for Returning StudentsAugust 24First Day of Classes - Fall Rent DueWELCOME TO CAMPUS HOUSINGWe’re excited to welcome you to campus housing at the University of Arizona! To help ma...

08/12/2026

Congrats to the Wildcat Rocket Engineering Club for winning first place in the Friends of Amateur Rocketry – Oxidizers Uninhibited Tournament.

The College of Engineering students trekked to Mojave, California to launch the Sonoran Wildcat – a liquid-fueled rocket that reached an altitude of 4,150 feet on its first flight.

Club members showcased the Sonoran Wildcat to industry representatives from SpaceX, Impulse and Vast.

“We now have a team of over a dozen student rocket engineers with real flight experience eager to keep pushing our club's limits,” said Parker Haynes, WREC outreach manager, videographer and 2026 aerospace engineering alum.

08/10/2026

A student-led balloon project from the University of Arizona College of Engineering recently orbited the globe twice! Read how this high-altitude mission gathered crucial atmospheric data while traveling around the world:

Student balloon project goes on a world tour, twice over May 8, 2026 Pascal Albright University of Arizona radio club members transform early setbacks into a high-altitude journey that spans the planet. Image Members of the university-community K7UAZ Amateur Radio Club meet weekly to design wireless...

08/07/2026

Proud to see the University of Arizona recognized today in Washington, D.C., where Executive Director Kray Luxbacher and mining engineering student Alex Zadro joined national leaders to discuss the future of mining education and workforce development. Together, government, industry and universities are working to strengthen America's critical minerals workforce. Bear Down! 🐻⬇️

08/07/2026

University of Arizona materials science associate professor Minkyu Kim has been awarded a $1.88M NIH grant to develop artificial cells that mimic red blood cells. Read about how this research could advance targeted drug delivery:

Materials scientist wins $1.88M to mimic red blood cells July 8, 2026 Pascal Albright University of Arizona engineers hide lifesaving drugs in synthetic cell-like carriers to reduce side effects. Image Associate professor Minkyu Kim's lab and BIO5 Institute researchers draw on materials science and....

07/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Professor Mark Barton on a major new research award! ⛏️🔬

The University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources is proud to celebrate Professor Mark Barton and his collaborators on the selection of a new U.S. Department of Energy project focused on identifying critical minerals in unconventional resources across the Southwest.

The multi-institutional effort will bring together researchers from universities, geological surveys and industry partners to evaluate new opportunities for recovering the minerals essential to our nation's energy future, advanced manufacturing and economic security.

Professor Barton and University of Arizona researchers will help lead investigations spanning Arizona and neighboring states, advancing innovative science while strengthening the region's role in critical minerals research.

Congratulations to Mark and the entire research team on this exciting achievement! 👏

05/26/2026

⛏️🌟 Investing in the future of mining education and outreach.

A new $110,000 gift from the Dykers family will help strengthen outreach efforts at the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory — supporting hands-on learning experiences that connect students, educators and the community to the world of mining and mineral resources.

As one of the nation’s premier underground mining laboratories, San Xavier plays a vital role in workforce development, K-12 engagement and public education around responsible resource development. Gifts like this help expand opportunities for experiential learning and inspire the next generation of mining professionals.

We are deeply grateful to the Dykers family for their continued support of the School and our mission. 👏

📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4wQguOH

$110,000 Dykers family gift strengthens outreach at the San Xavier Mine Today Jason Gelt Support from the Dykers family expands hands-on learning and community engagement at the University of Arizona’s School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. Image (From left) Chris Earnest, San Xavier ...

05/05/2026

🏆⛏️ Wildcat alumni still know how to bring home the hardware.

University of Arizona alumni claimed the top spot in the alumni division at the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games, continuing a proud tradition of excellence at one of mining education’s most iconic competitions.

Hosted at the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, this year’s event brought together more than 250 competitors from five countries—making the Wildcat alumni victory all the more impressive.

More than a competition, Mining Games is a celebration of the skill, camaraderie and lifelong connections that define the mining profession—and our alumni continue to set the standard.

📖 Read more:
https://bit.ly/3R6I1Lv

U of A alumni shine at mining competition April 23, 2026 Image In the hand steel contest, SMEMR senior Kaitlyn Sutow (right), with the University of Arizona Copper Queens team, chisels a hole into cement during the 48th annual Intercollegiate Mining Games. The University of Arizona’s San Xavier Mi...